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Md. county bans homemade treats, hugs from schools

Seeking to heighten safety, a southern Maryland school district has banned homemade treats for classes, banished birthday invitations and prohibited parents and volunteers from hugging or touching children who aren't their own.

Md. county bans homemade treats, hugs from schools

Concern about food allergies led officials and parents in St. Mary's County, Md., to forbid elementary school children from bringing homemade treats for their classes.(Photo: Lorayn Deluca, Mama Luca Media)

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Seeking to heighten safety, a southern Maryland school district has banned homemade treats for classes, banished birthday invitations and prohibited parents and volunteers from hugging or touching children who aren't their own.

The new rules, which cover 8,000 students in 17 elementary schools in St. Mary's County, also forbid siblings from visiting during school hours, even if they are with a parent.

The "best practices" were drafted by a committee of parents and administrators last fall and implemented after the Newtown, Conn., massacre in December, Southern Maryland Newspapers reported Friday. NBC News picked up the story Tuesday.

"What's OK with some families is not OK with others," she told NBC News.

District officials said concerns about food allergies prompted the ban on homemade treats for all. Parents can still send baked good or food for their child or children, but administrators would prefer only store-bought products that list ingredients.

School officials said they want parents' feedback, and the school board intends to review its policy school visitation by summer.

"I think this is horrible," board member Cathy Allen said last week. "Certainly, elements of this are going to decrease parent involvement. It's just the nature of the beast."

One parent described the discussions during committee meetings as intense, but she told the newspapers she didn't think any of the rules was excessive.

"It is sad that it needs to be done for the safety of our children," said Sherry Whittles.

Hall acknowledged that "anxiety is high," and said the new rules could be modified after they are tried for the remainder of the school year.